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For many people, apartment living is a transitional arrangement that will eventually lead to moving into a house. The challenge becomes how to furnish an apartment with pieces that will grow with you when you become a homeowner. It requires forethought, planning and sometimes spending a little more now for a bigger payoff later. But stocking an apa... Read more »

There are infinite ways to use texture to make spaces inviting, interesting and unique. Choosing the right ones will add dimension to a room and provide a strong element of contrast. It can make furniture pop with personality and complement existing design elements.... Read more »

Many people can't figure out exactly what to do with spare rooms. They're occasionally used for guests, but most of the time they're empty and underutilized. Why not make use of the space and give guest rooms additional function when they're not being used by visitors?... Read more »

As designers and homeowners reinvent popular decorating trends and draw inspiration from the world around them, more and more homes feature nature-inspired decor. With this design, stylists are given the opportunity to bring natural, organic elements, like dazzling green furniture and intricate textures, into their homes, effortlessly breathing lif... Read more »

The key to a dreamy bedroom is finding the perfect bed. Whether you prefer your bed to make a grand statement or set a tone of understated calm, there are many styles to choose from. This comprehensive list highlights popular types of beds with a brief description of each.... Read more »

While either can play an important role in a well-appointed living room, there is a difference between an armchair and an accent chair. While an accent chair can be an armchair and an armchair can be an accent chair, the two are not the same. An armchair always has arms, but an accent chair may or may not.... Read more »

Nightstands and end tables both complement decor and add function to rooms, though their names hint at one important difference. The easiest way to distinguish a nightstand from an end table lies in its location.... Read more »

When decorating their living room, people often wonder if there is a difference between a media center and a TV stand. Although many use the terms interchangeably, there are a few key distinctions. If you spend a lot of time in this room, it's important to choose the one that will work best for your space and lifestyle.... Read more »

The first notable difference between coffee tables and sofa tables is size. Sofa tables are much taller than coffee tables. Additionally, sofa tables tend to be long and narrow, whereas coffee tables come in a wide range of shapes and proportions.... Read more »

Adding visual appeal and interest, a distinctive headboard can create a focal point and set a new mood in your room. This great option to refresh your space without replacing your entire bedroom set. Headboards can be the perfect option if you prefer a minimal look without a footboard since they attach simply to the metal bedframe that comes with y... Read more »

Although both are space-saving multitaskers that can be used both day and night, there are a few key differences between a futon and a daybed that can help you decide which is best for your needs.... Read more »

Most people are certain that they know what a sofa is, though they might be less confident about the difference between a sofa and settee. When comparing the two, consider design and function to find the right piece for you.... Read more »

While the terms are often used interchangeably, there are many differences between a sofa bed and sofa sleeper. Typically, sofa beds, like futons, are designed to lay out flat to form a bed. They don't offer a traditional mattress. On the other hand, a sofa sleeper has a mattress hidden within its frame that can be unfolded for easy use.... Read more »

End tables and accent tables usually have the same basic construction with a flat surface and vertical legs for support. They are also crafted from similar materials such as wood or metal. Additionally, these pieces can be finished in the same way with varnish, stain or paint, among other choices.... Read more »

When searching for the ultimate furniture for relaxation, nothing beats a chair that lets you kick back and put your feet up. During the selection process, buyers might encounter varying terms and wonder about the difference between a lounge and a recliner. Each has its own benefits and challenges, and choosing the right one depends on personal pre... Read more »

Sofas and loveseats are the same in many ways. Both offer bench-style seating for two or more people. These pieces are usually fully or partially upholstered and both may be designed with or without armrests. Most sofas and loveseats have a wood frame construction with springs and cushions for comfort and support.... Read more »

Although chaises and sofas are similar sizes, the subtle differences and distinguishing factors give them each their own unique identities. Chaise lounges are generally meant for one occupant to stretch out on, while couches are designed to seat two or more. They both can be sat and slept upon, but nuances of design make each best tailored to speci... Read more »

A house full of kids and pets doesn’t stay clean for long. Finding the right balance between a relaxed, welcoming home and one that is not totally wrecked is a continuous struggle. You want the family to use and enjoy your living room without having to encase everything in plastic to keep it stylish and looking great. To preserve your furnitu... Read more »

Mid-century modern refers to a design movement during the 1940s through 1960s that featured clean lines, open spaces, geometric shapes and soft organic curves all with an integration of new materials in building, furnishings and art.... Read more »

Just as dining tables are available in three different heights, the chairs to fit with them are as well. An ideal pairing for comfort is about a foot difference between the seat surface and the table top.... Read more »

People assume that modern and traditional styles are like oil and water – that they will never mix. However with a strategic approach, you can blend the two with ease, creating a room with interest, grace and character.... Read more »

Because it's often tied to the height of the mattress, there is no standard nightstand height. In general, it is easier to raise your arms than to lower them when you are in bed. With that in mind, the rule of thumb is to have your nightstand level with the top of the mattress or within two to six inches higher. However, personal preference plays a... Read more »

When looking for the right desk for a home office or study, most people are just as concerned with comfort as they are with style. You've probably heard that sitting incorrectly over long periods of time can have negative effects on your back, arms, and neck. While a chair can directly play into posture and well-being, the other major factor in ens... Read more »

The dining table is a major focal point of any home. It's where family and friends congregate to share stories, laugh, and enjoy home-cooked meals. Dining room table dimensions and shapes can also set the mood of the room. Rectangular is refined and circular is cozy, while oval and square pieces strike a calm balance between the two. When trying to... Read more »

Dressers are an essential piece of furniture in any bedroom, improving organization and contributing to the decor. Design preferences, storage requirements, and space limitations can all help you decide which type of dresser will work best for your room. Start by using the average dresser height and size as a guide, then tailor your search to fit y... Read more »

Full beds were the standard for couples up until the 1960s, but nowadays people prefer more than a meager 27 inches of room when sleeping with a partner. Therefore, when shopping for mattresses meant for two, a king or queen bed size is the best option. Both are 80 inches in length but have different widths.... Read more »

Deciding on a sectional vs. sofa might be one of the most debated questions when it comes to home decorating. Each side has its ardent fans and fervent opponents and we're not likely to settle the issue here. What we can do is provide you with a breakdown of the pros and cons for each to help you make an informed purchase.... Read more »

As a place to place a gorgeous table lamp and some decor accessories, a spot for a drink and a book or to stash the remote control and phone charger, end tables are living room workhorses. They nestle in beside a sofa or between chairs and offer style and functionality that makes your space complete. These tips will help you find an end table to pe... Read more »

When a couch looks lonely in the middle of a room, pairing it with another a piece of furniture adds visual interest while filling the empty space. Sofa tables are elegant additions to the home, no matter the decor. Sofa tables are placed behind couches to add variety, create extra storage or display space, and allow additional activities in t... Read more »

Loveseats are simply scaled-down couches that comfortably seat two people. When combined with matching sofas and armchairs for intimate seating or group conversing, properly sized loveseats complete the look of a modern living room.... Read more »

When purchasing a couch, many considerations come to mind, including budget, size, and style. In order to find the perfect fit, sofa seekers should also ask themselves detailed questions, like "how high should my couch be?" While most people tend to think of size with respect to how many people a sofa can seat, the look of the piece relative to cei... Read more »

Though both bedrooms and dorm rooms express individuality and provide personal space to relax, there are some differences between the two. For starters, dorm rooms are typically much smaller in size than traditional bedrooms, yet they need to act as an office, kitchen, and living room all in one.... Read more »

When decorating, it's important to remember that each room in your home is a reflection of you. To create a space that you'll love living in, equal emphasis should be placed on form and function. Every space should have its own unique mood while a coherent personality is maintained throughout the home.... Read more »

In order to choose the right couch size for your room, you must first measure your space, including the ceiling height. Next, think about what purposes your couch will serve. Are you going to be using it for entertaining in a formal area, or is it for marathon television watching and family cuddle time? Some intuitions about sofa dimensions may be ... Read more »

People often think the choice between buying a fabric couch or a leather couch comes down to cost, but there are many other factors to consider. While it's true that leather sofas generally do cost more, there are other pros and cons beyond mere price. Fabric sofas are often unfairly maligned as cheap and undependable when the truth is far more com... Read more »

Seat depth isn't something many people take into account when buying a new couch, but it can have a huge impact on your long-term comfort. More than simply determining whether a sofa will fit in your space, the depth of a couch can also determine who will be able to sit on it comfortably, as well as how it can be used and whether it will suit your ... Read more »

Spring is a great time to take a fresh look at what you are doing to keep our home furnishings clean and well maintained. Spring showers bring in more than just flowers – this time of year we see more dust and pollen in the air and muddy feet running around the house. Here are some tips for keeping your furniture in tip-top shape:... Read more »

While the standard height for a dining room table is 30 inches off the ground, today’s open concept living and on-the-go lifestyles often lend themselves to new and interesting alternatives. Here’s the scoop on standard, counter height, bar height tables.... Read more »

Rugs are an important part of your home decor, offering warmth, comfort, texture, color and pattern to your space. An area rug can be that finishing touch that makes your house feel like a home. But deciding what size is best for your space can be confusing. Here we give you some guidelines that will make your rug shopping easier.... Read more »

Whether you're a magazine reader, blog surfer or devourer of novels, something good to read and a few uninterrupted hours can make daily stresses just melt away. The best way to loosen up with a good read is to devote a space in your home, even a small one, to a reading nook. From a home library to a single chair in a corner, almost any space can b... Read more »

Childhood is a magical time and one great way to encourage your kids’ imaginations and inspire their dreams is to create a themed bedroom. No matter their age or your budget, you can create a room to ignite their interest.... Read more »

Sleek, modern and stylish, many people choose platform beds based on appearance alone. However, there are many advantages to choosing a platform bed for your boudoir in addition to the cool, contemporary look that this unique bed style creates. Available in twin, full, queen and king sizes, you’ll find several reasons why a platform bed makes... Read more »

When decorating or refreshing your living space, it can be helpful to identify which design style most closely represents your tastes. Whether you are drawn to the clean, sleek lines of modern design, prefer the classic elegance of traditional design or fall somewhere in between, the best way to create a cohesive designer-quality look is to stick t... Read more »

When your mattress isn’t as comfortable as you would like, a mattress pad or mattress topper can add sleeping comfort, offering an inexpensive way to prolong the life of your mattress. Though the names are often used interchangeably, a mattress topper is thicker offering some combination of softness and support. A mattress pad is ... Read more »

Unless you’ve shopped for bunk beds recently, there’s a good chance you haven’t heard of a bunkie board. Bunkie boards (also spelled bunky board) are the thinnest mattress foundation option. Measuring 1 1/2 -3 inches tall, they are available in sizes to fit with all standard mattresses. Wrapped in a neutral fabri... Read more »

A classic design that’s been around for centuries, the wingback chair has made a comeback in modern homes. Initially designed in the late 1600s for use by the fireplace, its grand design includes upholstery or leather over a structured tall back with wings (or cheeks), solid covered arms and open base with wood legs. These were de... Read more »

Soft and supple, indulgent fabrics that feel as fabulous as they look are trending in today’s furniture. Here’s a look at what they are made of and how to incorporate these eye-popping textures into your room.... Read more »

Maintaining the beauty and luster of your wood furniture is easy with a bit of diligence and care. Some wood surfaces get more use (and abuse) than others. Living room tables and everyday dining tables get constant use. They are regularly exposed to food, drinks, fingerprints and more. They need to be checked daily and cleaned fre... Read more »

Blended leather, also called bonded leather or reconstituted leather, is manufactured furniture upholstery comprised of a layering of leather, a fiber or paper backing, and binding materials. It is finished with a polyurethane coat and embossed with a grain texture that closely mimics leather.... Read more »

What’s new this season in rugs? Everything from deep, rich colors to a current take on vintage patterns and finishes, here are some exciting new looks to refresh your home by providing a polished finish to your room. Finding the perfect rug has never been easier with these stunning new choices.... Read more »

A traditional artisan technique for creating hand dyed textiles, ikat or ikkat (both pronounced ee-KAHT) is a process where the yarn is tightly tied in small sections to create a resist and then dyed to create the desired pattern before it is woven. After the dying is complete, the yarn is woven into a textile. A detailed and intricate ... Read more »

Sleeper sofas offer a completely inconspicuous comfortable place to sleep. Comfortable and stylish sofa by day, they can be transformed into a full, queen or even a king bed by night. The best in class are built with easy to use mechanisms that make it quick and effortless to pull out a folding convertible mattress tucked away below sea... Read more »

You see it everywhere, this topical trend that is based on historical detailing. Nailhead trim once was simply a way to help attach upholstery to the frame, has continued as a decorative extra that has stood the test of time and found a resurgence in style. We can’t get enough of it.... Read more »

Having a baby in the house puts your living room into a whole new perspective. There are changes you’ll want to make from day one to prepare for extra spills and create soft secure surfaces. Though many babyproofing changes don’t need to be made until your little one is mobile doing them right away is best. Here are so... Read more »

Looking for inspiration to create an interesting and cohesive room? Start with one thing that you love and build around it. Your inspiration can come from any number of places – an area rug, some artwork, the fabric on an accent chair or accent pillow. Any of these sources are great places to stimulate inspiration.... Read more »

Adding to the beauty of rugs is that they offer both form and function. Practical for warmth, softness underfoot and sound absorption; they also enhance your home décor, giving a room a polished and finished look. Choosing the right area rug isn’t as scary as it might first seem if you know a few key tips for styling your room.... Read more »

According to the Mattress Recycling Council, approximately 15-20 million mattresses and box springs are disposed of annually in the US. To make matters worse, they are hard to compact and have become a major burden on community waste disposal management programs. ... Read more »

Chandeliers provide ambient overhead lighting that can fill a space and set a mood. No longer relegated to only dining rooms and entryways, chandeliers are popping up in living rooms, hallways, bedrooms and bathrooms. Not only do they provide much needed lighting, but can provide a unique opportunity to add style, flair and opulence to ... Read more »

When shopping for furniture or discussing interior design, you may hear the terms “modern” and “contemporary” used interchangeably. Although these two design styles share many similarities, they are not the same. Understanding the distinction between the two styles by examining their unique characteristics and variations det... Read more »

The use of leather as an upholstery fabric dates back to some of the earliest furniture designs. There’s a reason why this supple yet strong material has staying power: it looks, wears and feels great! Whether used on a sofa, loveseat, chair, sectional or ottoman, leather adds a sophisticated, luxurious look to your living room.... Read more »

Who doesn’t want an immaculately styled home, ready for the pages of your favorite design magazine? However, when an active family is inhabiting that home, maintaining a photo-ready look calls for some strategic design decisions. Through deliberate fabric choices, creative storage solutions and selections that fit your lifestyle, even the mos... Read more »

Buying a new mattress is a big decision. Most people keep their mattresses for about eight years, so you’ll want to be sure that it’s not only comfortable, but also provides a restorative night’s sleep tailored to your body’s individual needs. The first decision you will need to make when shopping for a mattress (besides det... Read more »

If there’s one thing that most people could use more of, it’s storage space. Luckily, whether you live in a studio apartment or need to maximize a family home, there’s a storage solution for every need. Check out these storage suggestions for every room in your home:... Read more »

Microfiber is super soft, resilient fabric created from incredibly thin, 100% polyester, filaments. Individual filaments that are less than 1 denier thick (about half the thickness of silk) are spun together to form a thicker cable or yarn. The yarns are then tightly woven, cut and brushed, giving the fabric to a “suede like” appearance... Read more »

The advent of new fabrics and treatments that resist mold and mildew as well as eliminating fading from UV rays has allowed outside living to become a true extension of the rest of your home.... Read more »

With our hectic lives and busy households, keeping all of our stuff organized at home is a constant challenge. But adding extra storage around your home is a great way to win the battle against clutter.... Read more »

Looking for a way to add interest to your living room? Want to create a designer look but don’t know where to start? One easy way to create a custom feel in your home is to pull together unique and individual pieces of furniture for a tailor made look.... Read more »

Though it’s all around us, many people don’t know what is meant by the term Industrial Style in furnishings and interior design. Industrial Style refers to exposed building materials that are often concealed in construction, reminiscent of an open unfinished warehouse look in building design. For furnishings the style ... Read more »

Originally designed in the late 1600’s as a wide chair to accommodate a woman and her voluminous dresses (including skirts, hoops and slips of the day), by the 1800’s and 1900’s the term loveseat or courting chair became prevalent and began to be used as a seating arrangement for two.... Read more »

Tall or short, wide or narrow, accent cabinets (and accent chests) are versatile additions to any home. Have an empty wall, bare corner or unfilled nook? Need a place to store small household items, toys or family games? Looking to add a little extra personality to your living space? An accent cabinet can fill all of these n... Read more »

Many open concept homes are designed with a spacious landing area at the top of the stairs called a loft. Lofts by nature are open to the rest of the house and to varying degrees usually part of the flow of the hallway to other rooms. Because it’s not really a room, many wonder what exactly to do with the space – we say, don... Read more »

As your kid enters his or her teen years, they will probably want to change their bedroom to reflect their stage in life. While their room will still be a place to sleep and dress, but now instead of using it for nap time and playing with toys, they will need a place to study and crave a place to relax on their own. To transform your ch... Read more »

At Furniture.com, we get lots of questions about the difference between a kitchen table and a dining room table. The quick answer is “the only difference is the room it’s in.” But the full answer goes a little deeper. All homes are different, and lifestyles certainly continue to change. While traditional ho... Read more »

While many people view them as small detail, a few throw pillows can actually transform a room. These simple accents may bring in new hues or highlight existing ones, make bold statements or add quiet warmth. They brighten up solid-colored couches and add visual interest to beds, breakfast nooks, and chairs. More than anything, however, pillows add... Read more »

Lighting plays a huge role in decorating and making a space uniquely your own. When it comes to home furnishings, the right lighting acts as the finishing touches on a room, so it is important to understand how to use lights to your advantage. Floor lamps, table lamps, and sconces are essential in any beautifully decorated home.... Read more »

Decorating small spaces doesn't have to be a headache. Some overall rules to keep in mind include choosing lighter colors and simpler pieces. Paler hues, such as white, cream, and gray, refract light for an overall brighter look and make rooms appear larger. Darker colors, like burgundy, chocolate, or teal, can be introduced in accent pieces and wa... Read more »

Cribs are such an important purchase for new parents since babies spend so much of their time sleeping. Consumer reports notes that cribs are by far the safest place to settle your little one as they are the most widely regulated sleep surface as compared to bassinets or bedside sleepers.... Read more »

Some of the formality of past generations has lost its meaning in today’s households. Many of us have a formal dining room that we never (or nearly never) use. Perhaps you have plenty of room in your eat in kitchen or great room that includes space for a daily dining table, yet you have the bones of a house with space provided for a for... Read more »

Casegood is a term used in the furniture industry to refer to non-upholstered wood furniture, typically for living room, dining room and bedroom. This includes dining tables, china cabinets, coffee and side tables, media centers, dressers and nightstands. When looking for quality construction in casegoods consider these factors:... Read more »

Lamps serve dual purpose – both form and function. They help illuminate the space while adding a pop of color, texture or shimmer to your room. When shopping, notice the form of the lamp - many lamps have a sculptural, vase-like art appeal, bases and shades can add texture or color. But before you select a lamp, think about ... Read more »

Kids and pets live in a space with a different kind of vigor than adults. There is often free-spirited rambunctiousness, joie de verve, and of course messes. Whether it is thundering feet running through the house, wagging tails or tufts of shed fur, delicate surfaces and fragile accessories just don’t make sense. Here are some tips and ideas... Read more »

Young kids don’t feel the same compelling need for privacy that teens and adults do. And many adults will fondly remember younger years spent bunking with their siblings. There are many benefits of kids sharing a room:... Read more »

Some people love the polished cohesiveness of a pre-planned matching living room set package bought in the store. The pieces are already in coordinating styles and appropriate scale to work well together. By seeing the pieces placed together in photos or the furniture showroom, you can more easily picture them together in your home.... Read more »

Holiday time is often time to for visits from friends and family. If your house is big enough to have extra rooms, then you likely have a furnished guest bedroom ready and waiting for out-of-towners. However, many of us successfully host guests in the family room or office with a pull-out sleeper sofa. Either way, with a little preparation and fore... Read more »

What makes a party memorable? Of course it is the people, time spent together, food, drinks, and music, but don’t overlook the fact that a big part enjoying each other’s company depends upon how accommodating the space is. Whether you are designing your room to be continually ready for entertaining or rearranging your home for a special... Read more »

For many people, apartment living is a transitional arrangement that will eventually lead to moving into a house. The challenge becomes how to furnish an apartment with pieces that will grow with you when you become a homeowner. It requires . . .

There are infinite ways to use texture to make spaces inviting, interesting and unique. Choosing the right ones will add dimension to a room and provide a strong element of contrast. It can make furniture pop with personality and complement . . .

Many people can't figure out exactly what to do with spare rooms. They're occasionally used for guests, but most of the time they're empty and underutilized. Why not make use of the space and give guest rooms additional function when they'r . . .